Cooke Chile has achieved a milestone in the Chilean aquaculture industry by producing the country’s first organic salmon, “Shima.”
“Shima” means “water” in Chile’s 12 regional local languages and also means “island” or “stripe” in Japanese. These translations symbolize the salmon’s healthy environment and its high quality.
This accomplishment is remarkable for its technical and logistical advancements and commitment to sustainability and quality. Although Chile has feed companies and raw material suppliers, they have yet to offer organic ingredients or diets, and are not certified to produce them. This lack of infrastructure forced Cooke Chile to seek solutions abroad. The company had to import specialized feeds and services, which increased costs and logistical efforts. However, Cooke Chile was convinced that the global demand for organic foods and high-quality salmon could be met in Chile, thanks to its conducive ecosystem and environment.
Differences in Organic Salmon Production
Organic salmon production involves a different approach compared to conventional aquaculture. Organic salmon are raised in conditions that minimize stress, positively impacting their welfare and the quality of the final product. Unlike conventional salmon, which are exposed to chemical treatments, antibiotics, and other substances, organic salmon follow a holistic concept. Their diet contains natural nutrients instead of pharmaceuticals, ensuring the absence of dangerous chemicals and minimal ecological impact.
Shima Salmon Features
- EU Organic Certification
- Focused on animal welfare: 40% less density in seawater
- Fishmeal and fish oil from sustainable fisheries
- Free of chemicals and GMOs
- Always raised without antibiotics
- PAT (Protein Animal Terrestrial) free
- 50% less sodium, 45% more Omega 3, and 15% less calories
- Use of 100% natural and eco-approved pigments: Panaferd
The Importance of Natural Carotenoids
One of the most notable aspects of organic salmon is its color, which comes from natural nutrients in the wild. Carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, are crucial in this regard. Astaxanthin, known as the “king of antioxidants,” gives the salmon a vibrant color and offers numerous health benefits. In contrast, conventional salmon obtain their color from chemically produced astaxanthin using petroleum derivatives. Consumers deserve natural astaxanthin they can trust, especially since synthetic astaxanthin is not approved for human consumption.
Natural astaxanthin and other red carotenoids provide beautiful, natural color and health benefits to salmon and consumers. Multiple studies have demonstrated this, and natural astaxanthin has become one of the fastest-growing and most popular supplements in recent years.
Panaferd’s Natural Astaxanthin
At Panaferd, we are incredibly proud of Cooke Chile’s success. As a provider of natural aquaculture solutions, we have contributed to this achievement by supplying natural astaxanthin and red carotenoids, composed of the marine microorganism Paracoccus carotinifaciens, found in the natural ecosystem. Along with algae, this microorganism provides a beautiful color to the salmon, reaffirming the superiority of organic production methods.
The organic certification obtained by Cooke Chile meets the standards of European organic regulations and positions its product at the level of renowned products like the famous Scottish organic salmon and other high-end brands. The European certification is a testament to Cooke Chile’s commitment to quality and sustainability, ensuring consumers purchase a product that meets rigorous production standards.
A Turning Point in Chile’s Aquaculture Industry
Cooke Chile’s achievement in producing the first organic salmon in Chile marks a turning point in the country’s aquaculture industry. This success, achieved through innovation, determination, and a commitment to sustainability, positions Cooke Chile as a market leader and sets a precedent for future initiatives in the industry.
With the Shima brand, Chilean organic salmon will compete with the best in the world and inspire others to pursue quality and sustainability.
At Panaferd, we are honored to be part of this journey and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all. This achievement will likely motivate local feed companies to adapt to changing times, promoting organic production and other practices that enhance value and differentiate the industry in Chile.
